Even an organized life can get complicated sometimes, and emergencies happen.  Not just big emergencies, like towns getting washed or blown away recently by tornadoes or flood waters, God bless those people, or major life altering events.  Even life’s little emergencies can rock our worlds. 

     Sometimes these events happen to us and sometimes to people we know.  And I am always moved and humbled by how people persevere in the face of adversity, and how others lend a hand to those in need. 

      The best time to think about “What to do in an emergency” is when you are not actually in an emergency.  In times of trouble, you and your loved ones are most important.  But clarity, focus and perspective are some of the first things to go when life get complicated.  I have a hard time asking for help, but I also struggle with how to help others in their rough times.  What does Help look like?  Here are some suggestions:

Have A Go-To Plan, for you and to help others:

• I use checklists because in crunch times, stress goes up and my focus goes out the window.
• We have Packing check lists for travel for the kids, the adults, air-travel, car travel, etc. 
• One of my favorite tools is a 3×5 laminated index card with Going Out Of Town tasks on it (wash dishes, close all windows, water the plants, etc.).  I walk through the tasks every time I leave town, so I never wonder if I unplugged the coffee pot or closed the windows.   I use a dry erase marker to check things off (and I will share this more fully in a June blog!).
• Make sure someone else has a key to your house.
• Have a standard Drop Off meal:
  • I have a pasta casserole that I have dropped off to dozens of houses over the years for friends and family who could use a meal.  I will call ahead and ask not “if” they would like the meal, but when.  As in – I am bringing over dinner at 5 pm, do you want it hot and ready to eat, or ready to chill and eat tomorrow?
  • During a family tragedy a few years ago, my sister-in-law stopped by with breakfast – bagels, cream cheese and fruit.  Great idea, and so appreciated. 
• Trip to Jewel for Basics:  This list is on an envelope with cash in it, waiting in the drawer:  Skim Milk, Wheat Bread, 10 bananas, 1 3 lb bag red gala apples, cookies and snacks for lunches.
• Remember Phone Trees?  Some communication can happen via email, or Facebook if the info is not too personal.  But the most important part is creating the contact list ahead of time, of who should be contacted in an emergency.   Just like the ICE contact in your cell phone, also have a ICE email list in your address book.

Know your strengths and weaknesses, and be specific in your Request or Offer.

• Families with kids:  Request or Offer to
  • Take over car-pool duties this week
  • Have younger kids over for a play date
  • Ask for or offer day care services
  • If you have older children:  Send them over to help a friend to fold laundry, mow the grass, walk the dog, take out the trash, etc.
  • Your emergency:
    • Know what only you can do and what can be done by someone else or not at all.  What can only you do, and what can be delegated?
  • Someone else’s emergency:
    • If you need me, I will offer you skills I possess.  Organizing, cooking, transportation, kid and pet care, prayer and music.  Please don’t ask me to paint your house or organize your photos.

Focus on Survival and Maintenance. 

• Let Progress go, at least for right now.  When I prioritize most days, I make sure survival is covered (food/clothing/shelter), then move on to Maintenance. 
• When we are in emergencies, or helping others with their emergencies, we have to go back to Survival.  Click here for a related blog from 2010:  Quick – Where are your Keys?  Your Cell Phone?
• The second level priorities are for Maintenance:
• Laundry, scheduling, school, transportation, etc.  
• What is necessary to maintain your current life should you be called away or knocked flat with an illness, etc.?  What are your roles?  What do you specifically do at home?  Keep those “Bills To Pay” in one location, known to you and at least one other person.  Share enough info to maintain your bills and banking, food prep and management, laundry, home maintenance, etc. 
• Keep up to date with your contacts and address info, in one central location.  I carry my phone, but it is synchronized with my laptop daily, and my hubby has access to the laptop and our schedule if I am gone.

       So in a quiet moment this week, say a prayer for those facing emergencies right now and be grateful for all the good things in your life.  Then, grab a notebook or sit down at your computer and think through some of these questions and jot down ways you can ask for help next time you need it, or offer help to someone in your life.  

      Here is a great link to Real Simple, some handy check lists / sheets to print up and keep, for you and for others to use.